The Cheyennes, like most other Indian Peoples, do not speak to each other when they are away from the camp. It was always a matter of courtesy and good manners to leave a person alone if he or she decided to leave the village and sit or stand alone. It was understood that this person sought a serene place in which to pray or to meditate. No one would go near him or speak to him. This custom was widely observed by our Peoples, and still is by many of them.
There was once a Pawnee brave, a strong young man, who decided that he would show his People that he was fearless and brave. He decided to make trouble for the Cheyennes, who were enemies of the Pawnees. He had in his possession, a Cheyenne blanket. It was of Cheyenne design, and common to these Cheyenne People.
He made a camp not too far from the Cheyenne camp and waited. Along in the middle of the day, he walked upon the hill overlooking the Cheyenne village. He had this blanket wrapped around him, and had his head covered also. From this vantage point, he could see everything that happened in this village. He knew that certain death would follow if these Cheyenne People discovered who he was.
After a little while, the hunters began coming into the village, their Horses laden with Buffalo meat. They had been successful in their hunt. He noted one hunter who rode a Horse which was loaded with meat, and leading two other Horses. One of these was a big black spotted Horse, which was a running Horse. The other was a pack Horse. Running Horses are only ridden on a chase or on a war party. When they return to the village, they are cared for well, with feeding and much grooming.
The Pawnee decided that this Horse was the one which he wanted. The hunter went to his lodge, dismounted, and gave the reins to his women. Then, he went inside his lodge. When the women started unpacking the meat, he walked down among them and took the reins from the women. They fell back, thinking this was some relative of the hunter, who was going to feed and groom the Horse. He did not speak any Cheyenne, but he just mumbled "M-m-m-m" in a low voice.
He headed his Horse down toward the river, until he was out of sight of the women. Then, he jumped upon the Horse's back and rode out of there with his new Horse and another pack Horse which he also held the reins to. This daring deed was done in broad daylight!
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